HiJust wondering what people would do in this scenario.....A parent has come to me about a situation that has me very worried. They said they were sorry they had to burden me but we are very close and I was happy to listen but can't really help as it's difficult...I have 4 other siblings (3 girls, 1 boy) all in Ireland Bar 1with families of their own as do I. I really would like to talk to someone about said situation but why have us all worry? Everyone has own issues/families to deal with or miscarriages/money problems etc and so why worry everyone when there is nothing really they can do?Uggghhh it's killing me carrying this around alone though..... wish I had someone to talk to....Thanks

I think that it sounds like she wasnt stopping you from sharing with family, just she didnt want to herself. If it has you very worried and if you think your siblings have a right to know then i would tell at least one. Could there be repercussions later if they found out you know and hadnt said anything?I know people have their own lives and worries but there is some truth in the old adage "a problem shared is a problem halved".

I would confide in siblings, maybe ones you're closer to. They may be able to help. We had a big family drama a few years ago and my Dad wanted it kept quiet. I told my siblings and we all worked through it together.

Sorry for the confusion,! It's my mum who came to me with an important, worrying issue. She did not ask me to keep it secret but said she herself was not going to tell the others.... I just wanted to know if I should share with other siblings considering there is nothing (practical) that they can do.Thanks for the responses

Your parent has shared a concern with you - if they have not directly asked you to keep it to yourself then tell that parent you will be talking to a sibling over the weekend and mention you are going to ask that siblings opinion on the concern. If your parent asks you not to tell your sibling then you are in a bit of a predicament. Is there anything you can actually do to help your parent with the concern? If it's medical are they willing to see a doctor and if so could you go along for support?

I think if the situation is worrying enough to require action I would do whatever is necessary to help remedy the problem. Is it something thstcyiu can handle on your own? Personally speaking,being the doer in the family brings it's own problems. If you can get support from your siblings,do.

Poodlepie op and your second post dont really make sense... is this parent who has come to you a family member? Is this why you are concerned about burdening other family? Hard to advise when problem hasnt been explained as no idea just how serious it is...Maybe talk to your dh about it? Get his opinion if you dont want to post it here?

sorry was trying to be semi discreet. The question really is do I share the worry around or just keep it to myself.... the reason I mentioned number of siblings and location is that I feel it's relevant if someone is out of the country as there is not much they can do from abroad and also the more siblings the more support in general situations I would think? Also the parent did not say it was a secret as such but wasn't running to the others either